Charlevoix at odds over clerk's position

CHARLEVOIX - Charlevoix city manager Mike Wiesner's decision to post for and hire an individual as the deputy clerk-treasurer is under fire.

The position was vacated by Bea Parton, who retired in 2003. According to the city charter, the city clerk, which is an elected official, may nominate the deputy clerk.

Council member Shirley Gibson said the charter intends to protect public interest.

"I want someone elected at city hall who answers to the public, not the city manager," Gibson said. "This job has been eroded for years. Let's return it to what the city charter intended."

During Monday's city council meeting, Gibson recommended that the city clerk's position be moved to full-time employment, providing more accessibility to the public.

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Wiesner said he is in the process of hiring a deputy clerk, and said the employee would not work under the city manager or city treasurer. Wiesner said the decision was made after city clerk Liz Gooch advised him that she was unwilling to make the deputy clerk appointment to replace Parton.

Wiesner said the job description as written did not include assigned deputy clerk duties.

The deputy clerk-treasurer and accounts receivable position would assist the city clerk in elections. The position will maintain ambulance billing information, collect and record city funds, while assisting in bookkeeping.

"In no way is it my intention to violate the charter. I don't feel in any way that I'm violating the charter," Wiesner said.

Former mayor Ken Staley asked Wiesner to consider the implications of his actions.

"This is exactly in violation of that. He (the city manager) has no business appointing a deputy," Staley said. "The tail is before the dog so to speak. This is clear in the charter and the charter takes precedent. If you don't follow the charter you might as well throw it in Round Lake."

The council also discussed the city clerk position.

Gooch, who is paid as a part-time city employee ,said she works 30 or more hours a week. Gooch said she would prefer a full-time position or reimbursement for her duties.

Mayor Gabe Campbell said handling the job under the designated 20 hours is impossible.

"Maybe wonder woman could do it," Campbell said.

The city clerk's duties include recording city council meeting minutes, maintaining copies of council rules, signing and witnessing official city documents. The clerk also performs all election functions, accepts tax abatements forms and maintains the city charter.

The council made a motion to review Gooch's position through the compensation commission.

The council also made a motion to contemplate expanding the duties of the city clerk guided by the state statute, city charter and city handbook.

Some council members supported expanding Gooch's position to a full-time position.

But council member Sherman Chamberlain said the charter did not intend for her position to be full-time, noting that it was a part-time position.

Meanwhile, Gooch appointed Stephanie Brown as the temporary deputy clerk, which was supported by council.